Words: Steve Pitman & Michael Flynn
Image: Brisbane Strikers FC

Brisbane Strikers coach Kevin A’herne-Evans anticipates an attacking start to the PlayStation® 4 NPL Queensland season.

Strikers and Redlands United will contest the opening match of the new season when they meet at Perry Park thsi Saturday night.

The teams were first round opponents for the first two seasons of PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland, however this will be the first time they have the distinction of kicking off the competition.

According to A’herne-Evans, in his first season as Strikers coach after guiding Sunshine Coast FC for the previous two campaigns, the two clubs’ attacking philosophies and tactics will ensure a season opener that whets supporters’ appetites for more.

“I love it when the boys play attacking football, basically”, A’Herne-Evans said.

“We’ve got so much ability in the team in the opposition half that we want to encourage them to get on the ball as often as possible and to play with freedom and express themselves and enjoy taking the game to the opposition."

A’herne-Evans expects a similar approach from Redlands, who have recruited strongly in the off-season including Brazilian playmaker Igor Sao Jose and former Devonport Strikers midfielder Joel Stone.

“They’ve recruited a lot more than what they have in previous years by Redlands’ standards – they’ve got a strong belief in developing players like ourselves – and they also like to play attack-minded football,” A’herne-Evans explained.

“So I can see the game at times being really open and going end to end with both teams trying to give their attack-minded players the best opportunity to score goals”.

Strikers have also new recruits at their disposal including A’herne-Evans’ former Fire teammate Greig Henslee, as well as attacking midfielder Trent Clulow.

Amongst the returning names is former Hyundai A-League player Jonti Richter, as well as Greg King and Colombian attacker Jheison Macuace (pictured).

Macuace is expect to replace Strikers all-time leading PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland goalscorer Matt Thurtell at the top of the formation after Thurtell was lured to PlayStation 4 NPL Victoria club Bentleigh Greens during the off-season.

A’herne-Evans indicated he had an abundance of riches at his disposal as he considers his starting eleven.

“I’ve got full confidence in the players.  They’re really well-prepared and we are fortunate in that we have got an exceptional playing group, so you draw confidence as a coach from that,” he said.

Kick-off between Strikers and Redlands is scheduled for 6:00pm, and is preceded by the Under 18’s at 3:30pm.